Sergio Perez Eager For Another Good Result At Singapore
Sergio Perez is hoping for yet another glorious result at the Singapore Grand Prix in several weeks time, as the Mexican driver strives to once again finish towards the sharp end of the field. Perez has finished on the podium three times this season, and currently sits 9th in the Drivers’ Championship, with 65 points scored.
After yet another superlative performance last time out at the Italian Grand Prix, Sergio Perez is eyeing yet another decent result once the Formula 1 circus arrives at the Marina Bay street circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix. Although Sauber have only scored a combined total of five points during previous races at Singapore, both Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi are confident the Ferrari-powered Sauber C31 will be much more competitive at this season’s event.
“The Singapore Grand Prix is a very special race on an extraordinary track with an unique schedule.” Explained Sergio Perez, “I generally like street circuits and the one in Singapore is physically quite demanding, but I feel prepared for that. Also for our car it should be an okay track to race on. I am very much looking forward to it and I want to get in another good result for the team at that very prestigious race.”
Unlike at the Italian Grand Prix, a one-stop strategy is not expected throughout the 61-lap race. Due to the high probability of safety car periods during the race, a flexible strategy could be crucial to success. Although the drivers are confident ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Sauber’s Head of Track Engineering Giampaolo Dall’Ara believes the Marina Bay street circuit will be the toughest of the final seven races for the outfit.
“Singapore is a street circuit with lots of corners and short straights. Therefore overtaking is difficult, which makes qualifying particularly important.” Said Giampaolo Dall’Ara, “The track surface is not very rough. Pirelli will allocate the supersoft and the soft compounds, which should work well in qualifying, but I don’t expect any chance of a one-stop strategy in the race. Out of the seven upcoming races I expect this one to be the most difficult for our C31, but we will have our next aero update in Singapore, which should help to compensate for this and still put us in a position for a strong race.”
All of Sauber’s podiums this season have been achieved by Sergio Perez, however Kamui Kobayashi has also remained a highly consistent driver for the outfit. With qualifying set to be one of the keys to success around the Marina Bay street circuit, Sauber will be striving to qualify as well as the Belgian Grand Prix where the Swiss-outfit started the race from 2nd and 4th on the grid.
Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG
Josef Kral Takes Lights To Flag Victory In GP2 Sprint Race
Josef Kral has taken his maiden GP2 victory after a dominant lights to flag victory during the GP2 sprint race, ahead of the late charging DAMS of Felipe Nasr. The Brazilian driver only just clinched 2nd ahead of James Calado at the final corner of the final lap, in yet another sensationally exciting GP2 sprint race.
Once the five red lights went out at the start, Josef Kral immediately stormed into the lead, robbing pole man Felipe Nasr as the field negotiated turn 1. Further back and total carnage ensued as Johnny Cecotto jr. collided with Max Chilton, tipping the Briton into a spin as the other drivers took drastic avoiding action. Championship contender Luiz Razia suffered a major blow on the opening lap, as the Brazilian was forced wide on the exit of turn 4 after running side-by-side with the Lotus of James Calado. Luiz Razia spun of the wet grass right across the track, and collected the DAMS of fellow Championship contender Davide Valsecchi, who took extreme avoiding action, running onto the grass and tapping the barriers.
This thrilling opening lap set the pace for the rest of the race, as James Calado set to hunting down race leader Josef Kral. At the end of the opening lap, many drivers including Championship contenders Luiz Razia and Davide Valsecchi pitted. Johnny Cecotto jr. was the first retirement, after eventually peeling off the track due to his collision at the start with the Carlin of Max Chilton.
Whilst Josef Kral asserted his authority at the front of the pack, the Lotus of Esteban Gutierrez became locked in a battle with the Trident Racing duo of Julian Leal and Stephane Richelmi. Luiz Razia’s dismal race continued on lap 6, as the Brazilian driver pitted once again for new tyres in what was turning out to be his most uncompetitive race of the season.
Sergio Canamasas, who raised many eyebrows yesterday for his questionable defending, spun at turns 18 and 19, on his way to becoming the second retirement of the race. The Spaniard was then joined in retirement by Championship contender Davide Valsecchi, who eventually pitted for retirement after his off with Razia on the opening lap. Esteban Gutierrez’s race was practically ruined on lap 10, as the Mexican tried to overtake the Trident of Stephane Richelmi at turn 7. This maneuver subsequently ended in tears, as the two collided and were forced to trek through the gravel trap before eventually rejoining the race.
As the race entered it’s closing stages, it became apparent that no driver would be able to catch the dominant Josef Kral. However, the battle 2nd place was gathering momentum throughout the closing laps, as James Calado began to defend his position desperately against the DAMS of Felipe Nasr. The Brazilian driver was unable to find a way around the Briton until the final corner of the final lap, adding insult to injury to James Calado who desperately needed the victory.
The GP2 Series now moves swiftly on to the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, for the penultimate round of this highly entertaining season. With neither Luiz Razia or Davide Valsecchi scoring points in the race, the Championship leading duo remain tied atop the Championship on 204 points apiece.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Services
Jenson Button Takes First McLaren Pole For Belgian Grand Prix
Jenson Button will start tomorrow’s Belgian Grand Prix from pole-position, after clinching pole in a thrilling qualifying session around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. In conditions starkly contrasted to yesterday, Button will line up alongside the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi in what should be yet another enthralling Belgian Grand Prix.
The Marussia duo of Charles Pic of Timo Glock were the first two drivers to take the track once the session got underway, with Pic setting the initial pace with a 01:53.493. Nico Rosberg, who incurred a 5-place grid penalty prior to the qualifying session, then shot to the top with a 01:51.125 as the times quickly began to tumble. Paul di Resta and Sergio Perez then shared the top spot momentarily as the opening session progressed, with the majority of the drivers circulating on Pirelli’s P Zero hard tyre compound.
Championship leader Fernando Alonso then asserted authority over the proceedings, after ending the final practice session earlier in the morning fastest overall. Jenson Button then surprised many by going fastest, complaining of understeer only moments beforehand. Pastor Maldonado then incurred the wrath of the stewards once again, as they announced the Venezuelan driver was under investigation for allegedly blocking Nico Hulkenberg.
Many of the drivers then opted to switch to the medium tyre compound as the session entered it’s closing stages, as the Williams of Pastor Maldonado went fastest with a 01:48.993. Nico Rosberg’s woeful day continued as the session drew to a close, as the Toro Rosso of Daniel Ricciardo progressed to 6th and demoted the German to 18th and subsequently into the drop zone along with the usual suspects of the two Caterhams, Marussias and HRTs. This means the Mercedes driver will start on the last row of the grid for tomorrow’s race, once he takes his grid penalty.
Sergio Perez wasted no time in taking to the track once the second qualifying session got underway, whilst the McLaren mechanics frantically worked upon Jenson Button’s car, fixing some minor damage to the Briton’s rear-wing. Perez naturally set the initial pace with a 01:48.880, however Mark Webber then went top with a 01:48.662. The Ferrari of Fernando Alonso then continued to assert authority, however as the track rubbered in, the times quickly improved as the session progressed.
Lewis Hamilton then shot to the top of the timing sheets, with a 01:48.563 for the McLaren driver. However, Kimi Raikkonen immediately disposed of the 2008 World Champion as the Finn shot to the top with a 01:48.414. Jenson Button then continued to raise eyebrows amongst the paddock as the Briton stormed to the top with a blisteringly quick 01:47.654. This time looked unbeatable, as many drivers retook to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit to try guarantee themselves a spot in the all-important top ten shootout.
As Q2 came to a close, no-one was able to challenge Jenson Button’s illustrious time at the top. As the checkered flag fell, all eyes were on reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who was amazingly unable to progress through to the top ten shootout and was eliminated along with Nico Hulkenberg, Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa, Jean-Eric Vergne, Daniel Ricciardo and Bruno Senna.
The all-important top ten shootout had all the ingredients to be a thrilling spectacle around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, and the track action most certainly lived up to its expectations. Paul di Resta and Kimi Raikkonen were the first two drivers to take to the track, with the Finn setting the initial pace with a 01:48.205. However, Jenson Button continued his uncatchable momentum through to Q3 and set another sensational lap time with a 01:47.686.
As the session came to a highly entertaining conclusion, Jenson Button improved upon his time with a 01:47.573, as the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi slotted neatly into 2nd position with 01:47.871. The other McLaren of Lewis Hamilton was unable to match his team-mate and ended the session a disappointing 8th.
With Jenson Button surrounded by former GP2 stars Kamui Kobayashi and Pastor Maldonado, tomorrow’s Belgian Grand Prix has all of the ingredients to be a literally stunning race with the possibility of fireworks as the field negotiates the La Source hairpin at the start. Jenson Button has never won around Spa-Francorchamps, and is perfectly poised to alter that stat during tomorrow’s 44-lap Belgian Grand Prix.
Pos Driver Car Time Gap 1. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m47.573s 2. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m47.871s + 0.298s 3. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1m47.893s + 0.320s 4. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault 1m48.205s + 0.632s 5. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m48.219s + 0.646s 6. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m48.313s + 0.740s 7. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m48.392s + 0.819s*** 8. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m48.394s + 0.821s 9. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m48.538s + 0.965s 10. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m48.890s + 1.317s Q2 cut-off time: 1m48.993s Gap * 11. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m49.722s + 0.472s 12. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 1m49.362s + 0.112s 13. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m49.742s + 0.492s 14. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m49.588s + 0.338s 15. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m49.763s + 0.513s 16. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m49.572s + 0.322s 17. Bruno Senna Williams-Renault 1m49.958s + 0.708s Q1 cut-off time: 1m50.126s Gap ** 18. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m50.181s + 1.188s*** 19. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham-Renault 1m51.739s + 2.746s 20. Vitaly Petrov Caterham-Renault 1m51.967s + 2.974s 21. Timo Glock Marussia-Cosworth 1m52.336s + 3.343s 22. Pedro de la Rosa HRT-Cosworth 1m53.030s + 4.037s 23. Charles Pic Marussia-Cosworth 1m53.493s + 4.500s 24. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1m54.989s + 5.996s 107 per cent time: 1m56.622s
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Initial Sonoma Practice Open To All Teams
IZOD IndyCar officials have announced that the initial practice for next weekends GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma will be open to all participating teams, so as all drivers can gain valuable experience on the slightly modified circuit. The Californian track has been altered to make overtaking easier throughout the race next Sunday.
To allow teams to partake in the opening practice session of the weekend, IndyCar officials will issue the teams with a ninth set of tyres that can be used throughout the 75-minute practice session. Usually the opening 30 minutes of the first practice session is reserved for drivers outside the top 10 in the Championship standings, however this rule has been dropped for this race weekend only.
“There have been several changes to the track and this allows everyone an equal chance to learn the layout,” explained IndyCar President of Competition, Beaux Barfield. “There is a test this week that does allow everyone an opportunity, but we wanted to be sure everyone had the chance to get miles and see the three fairly significant changes to the track.”
These changes in question include modifications to turns 11, 9 and 7, all with an intention of increasing opportunities for overtaking throughout the race. Current Championship leader, Will Power, has won the last two races around the Sonoma Raceway and will undoubtedly be striving continue his winning streak at the Californian circuit. However, with team-mate Helio Castroneves and Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay hot on his heels, it’s all to play for as the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series draws closer to an intense season finale at Fontana.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Scott Dixon Storms To Victory At Mid-Ohio
Scott Dixon stormed to yet another victory around the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier today, after snatching the win away from pole man Will Power during a tense pit stop on lap 29. Simon Pagenaud clinched 3rd, as Championship contenders Ryan Hunter-Reay and Helio Castroneves endured less-than-successful races floundering at the back.
The race started in relatively clean fashion, as the Penske of Will Power led Target Chip Ganassi’s Dario Franchitti through the opening few corners. Further back Justin Wilson spun, but was able to rejoin as the pack jostled for position in the early stages of the opening lap. Oriol Servia’s race suffered an early blow on lap 3, as the Spaniard pitted with a suspected mechanical issue.
Justin Wilson was striving to redeem himself after his mistake at the start, as the Briton stormed through the back of the pack and was up to 17th position by lap 7. Helio Castroneves became the first driver to make a scheduled pit stop on lap 9, along with Graham Rahal and JR Hildebrand. The Brazilian driver started the race from a lowly 23rd, after incurring a 10-place grid penalty for an unauthorized engine change.
The leaders began their first pit stops on lap 28, as Dario Franchitti, Simon Pagenaud, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway all peeled into the pits whereas Will Power and Scott Dixon continued to circulate out on track in 1st and 2nd positions. However, the leading duo pitted only a lap later with Will Power only just scampering out of the pits still in the lead.
Back in the midfield, and likes of Alex Tagliani, Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan were locked in a frenetic battle. With many drivers using their push-to-pass devices, it was amazing how neither drivers made serious contact as they negotiated turns 4 and 5. Briscoe and Tagliani did make contact, but only lightly as the pair continued out on track.
As the race progressed, Will Power continued to assert unyielding dominance over the proceedings. The Australian driver has yet to win a race around the tricky Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, however that stat looked likely to change as the race entered the halfway stage. Will Power’s Championship surge received a boost on lap 54, when Championship leader Ryan Hunter-Reay reported a mechanical issue on his Andretti Autosport car. The American driver began to drop through the order, as a pit stop confirmed it was a fuel injector issue. However, Hunter-Reay continued to circulate out on track, way back down in 21st position.
On lap 58 the top four all pitted together, as Will Power, Scott Dixon, Sebastien Bourdais and Dario Franchitti all peeled off into the pits. The Target Chip Ganassi mechanics carried out a blistering pit stop for Dixon, as the Kiwi rejoined only just ahead of Will Power. It was later discovered that it took a fraction of a second longer for the Penske mechanics to attach the fuel hose to Power’s car, thus compromising the Australian driver’s lead.
Whilst Dixon and Power battled for supremacy in the pits, James Hinchcliffe assumed the lead albeit for only two laps. The Canadian driver pitted on lap 60, and made contact with reigning Series Champion Dario Franchitti upon pit exit. This forced the Scotsman to pit once again for a new nose cone, and demoted him further down the order.
Ryan Hunter-Reay’s race finally came to a premature end on lap 82, after his mechanics tried their best to rectify the issue several laps beforehand. This was a huge boost for Will Power, who would take the lead in the Drivers’ Championship regardless of only finishing 2nd to Scott Dixon.
As the checkered flag fell it was Kiwi Scott Dixon who crossed the line in 1st, ahead of the Penske of Will Power in 2nd and the impressive rookie of Simon Pagenaud in 3rd. The race ran caution free for the second race weekend in succession, the first time this has occurred in the sport since 1987. The IZOD IndyCar Series now heads to the daunting Sonoma Raceway in California, where Will Power will be out to further increase his lead at the top in his quest for Championship glory.
Results - 85 laps: Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap 1. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda 1h39m48.5083s 2. Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy + 3.4619s 3. Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Dallara-Honda + 4.5402s 4. Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy + 5.5822s 5. James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 7.5663s 6. Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy + 12.328s 7. Ryan Briscoe Penske Dallara-Chevy + 27.9601s 8. Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 28.1691s 9. JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy + 29.2325s 10. Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda + 31.1722s 11. Graham Rahal Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 31.4387s 12. Josef Newgarden Fisher Dallara-Honda + 32.0754s 13. Takuma Sato Rahal Dallara-Honda + 32.4073s 14. Giorgio Pantano Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 33.9166s 15. Rubens Barrichello KV Dallara-Chevy + 35.2863s 16. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy + 35.9205s 17. Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 36.9834s 18. Justin Wilson Coyne Dallara-Honda + 42.0974s 19. James Jakes Coyne Dallara-Honda + 46.4304s 20. EJ Viso KV Dallara-Chevy + 46.8068s 21. Mike Conway Foyt Dallara-Honda + 46.9535s 22. Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy + 1 lap 23. Simona de Silvestro HVM Dallara-Lotus + 2 laps 24. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 6 laps 25. Oriol Servia Panther/DRR Dallara-Chevy + 7 laps
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Sebastian Vettel: “We Have One Of The Most Consistent Cars”
After finishing Sunday’s British Grand Prix 3rd, Sebastian Vettel believes Red Bull have one of the most consistent cars on the 2012 grid. Admittedly the reigning World Champion retired with a mechanical issue in Valencia, but that has so far been the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s only retirement of the season.
Looking back on Red Bull’s previous results, and the consistency of the reigning Champions is abundantly clear. Since the start of the 2010 season, Red Bull have only suffered eight retirements, with only three of those being down to issues on the car. Red Bull have taken 24 race victories since 2010, including the three so far taken in 2012. This has enabled them to be crowned Constructors’ Champions for the last two years.
Although the 2012 season has so far not been dominated by Red Bull, or any one particular team for that matter, Sebastian Vettel remains confident that his team have one of the most consistent cars on the grid. They are so far the only team to have taken three victories in 2012, however it is Mark Webber who is currently the leading Red Bull driver in this highly unpredictable season. When asked for his judgement on the RB8, the reigning World Champion had this to say:
“We had a good car right from the beginning – a car that at least brought us into the top five at every race. And we have seen how fast it can happen that instead of P1 you end in P5, so we have to be satisfied. I would even go so far as to say that we have one of the most consistent cars as we’ve only had one retirement. So yes, I would say that the package is good – and for sure good enough to attack at the next races.”
Sebastian Vettel has yet to win at the either of the next two races on the 2012 calendar, in Germany and Hungary. The German hasn’t ever won a race in July come to that, and will undeniably be striving to correct that fact with a victory in front of his adoring home fans in two weeks time around the Hockenheimring.
GP2 Monaco Qualifying Split Into Two Groups
Due to the tight and twisty nature of the Monte-Carlo street circuit, qualifying for the GP2 Series will be split into two 14 minute groups this weekend. This will be the first time a change of this nature has occurred in the history of the GP2 Series, and will hopefully allow drivers to complete clean and quick laps.
After a ballot which took place on Wednesday, two groups have been drawn up for todays qualifying session. The first group will consist of even numbered cars, in contrast to the second group which will consist of odd numbered cars including Championship leader and former Monaco race winner Davide Valsecchi.
Group A:
02. Josef Kral
04. Felipe Nasr
06. Nathanaël Berthon
08. Jolyon Palmer
10. Esteban Gutiérrez
12. Giedo van der Garde
14. Stefano Coletti
16. Stéphane Richelmi
18. Fabrizio Crestani
20. Ricardo Teixeira
22. Simon Trummer
24. Victor Guerin
26. Max Chilton
Group B:
01. Johnny Cecotto
03. Davide Valsecchi
05. Fabio Leimer
07. Marcus Ericsson
09. James Calado
11. Rodolfo Gonzalez
15. Fabio Onidi
17. Julian Leal
19. Giancarlo Serenelli
21. Tom Dillmann
23. Luiz Razia
25. Nigel Melker
27. Rio Haryanto
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Media Service
Vitaly Petrov Believes Mugello Is An Unsafe Track
Russian Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov has become the first and as of yet only driver to speak out negatively about the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello circuit, with the Caterham driver stating that the track isn’t wide enough and is too dangerous for F1 cars.
This statement comes after the remaining drivers’ who have driven on the track this week announced their pleasure and sense of fulfillment in driving around the Mugello circuit. Mark Webber likened 10 laps around the track to 1000 around Abu Dhabi in sense of satisfaction, whereas fellow Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo stated: “Love driving the beast round here. Awesome high speed circuit.”
“I don’t think we should have come here,” explained Petrov, who has contrasting views on the Mugello circuit. “It is not safe and wide enough. If you lose it, the walls are so close and you will smash into the tyres. It is not for Formula 1 and, if you lost the steering or the tyre pressure dropped or whatever, then it will be a big crash.”
It was earlier announced that the director of the Mugello circuit, which is owned by Ferrari, is eager to one day see the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello circuit host a Grand Prix. With other drivers adoring their time on the Italian circuit, it seems Vitaly Petrov won’t be returning to the Mugello circuit anytime soon.
Davide Valsecchi Fastest On Day 1 Of GP2 Test
As the opening round of the 2012 GP2 Series looms ever closer, today saw the opening day of pre-season testing for the Series at Jerez. The Series starts late next month, for the first time supporting the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.
As the day dawned, 9 rookies (Nasr, Calado, Ghirelli, Trummer, Dillmann, Melker, Haryanto, Onidi and de Jong), and 1 new team (Venezuela GP Lazarus) all prepared to make their first track appearance of the new season. Sole tyre supplier, Pirelli, were at hand offering the teams’ two compounds in Hard (Prime) and Medium (Option) tyres.
The day started in usual testing fashion, in cold but sunny conditions. As the morning session began, all 26 cars immediately piled out of the pits to set their first installation laps, all seemingly eager to get started.
Indonesian GP3 graduate, Rio Haryanto, topped the timing sheets for Carlin as the morning session crossed the one hour mark. It was then Dutch GP3 graduate, Nigel Melker’s turn to top the timing sheets for Ocean Racing Technology as the session wore on.
The times then began to tumble as Rodolfo Gonzalez went quickest for Caterham Racing, before Sauber’s reserve driver Esteban Gutiérrez went quickest for Lotus GP. With an hour to go in the morning session, Marcus Ericsson flew to the top of the timing sheets before being replaced at the top by Davide Valsecchi.
Frenchman, Tom Dillmann, had a misfortunate start to testing for Ocean Racing Technology as he caused the first red flag period of the day. The 22-year-old suffered a minor incident after running wide, before the car clipped the barrier.
As the afternoon session began, Swiss driver Fabio Leimer set the initial pace for Racing Engineering. However it wasn’t long before Italian driver Davide Valsecchi continued his domination of the first day for DAMS, eager to capitalize on a successful morning session.
The second red flag of the day was caused by Italian GP3 graduate, Vittorio Ghirelli, who stopped his car on the track. The 17-year-old is testing for rookie team, Venezuela GP Lazarus, this week alongside Fabrizio Crestani.
As the day came to a close, Marcus Ericsson went top for iSport International. He was momentarily dislodged by Stéphane Richelmi, before returning to the top to end a successful afternoon’s running for the Swedish driver.
The three day test at Jerez continues tomorrow, where all 26 cars will resume their testing in preparation for the 2012 season.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Davide Valsecchi DAMS 1m26.014s 2. Fabio Onidi Coloni 1m26.217s + 0.203s 3. Jolyon Palmer iSport 1m26.219s + 0.205s 4. Marcus Ericsson iSport 1m26.266s + 0.252s 5. Esteban Gutierrez Lotus 1m26.408s + 0.394s 6. James Calado Lotus 1m26.649s + 0.635s 7. Stéphane Richelmi Trident 1m26.888s + 0.874s 8. Stefano Coletti Coletti 1m26.891s + 0.877s 9. Dani Clos Rapax 1m26.944s + 0.930s 10. Nigel Melker Ocean 1m26.944s + 0.930s 11. Rodolfo Gonzalez Caterham 1m26.971s + 0.957s 12. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1m26.990s + 0.976s 13. Johnny Cecotto Addax 1m27.013s + 0.999s 14. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m27.124s + 1.110s 15. Max Chilton Carlin 1m27.187s + 1.173s 16. Simon Trummer Arden 1m27.408s + 1.394s 17. Luiz Razia Arden 1m27.437s + 1.423s 18. Josef Kral Addax 1m27.519s + 1.505s 19. Rio Haryanto Carlin 1m27.842s + 1.828s 20. Nathanael Berthon Racing Engineering 1m27.917s + 1.903s 21. Julian Leal Trident 1m28.018s + 2.004s 22. Felipe Nasr DAMS 1m28.076s + 2.062s 23. Fabrizio Crestani Lazarus 1m28.385s + 2.371s 24. Daniel De Jong Rapax 1m28.438s + 2.424s 25. Tom Dillmann Ocean 1m28.985s + 2.971s 26. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus 1m29.642s + 3.628s Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Marcus Ericsson iSport 1m26.407s 2. Esteban Gutierrez Lotus 1m26.496s + 0.089s 3. James Calado Lotus 1m26.586s + 0.179s 4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m26.776s + 0.369s 5. Stéphane Richelmi Trident 1m27.017s + 0.610s 6. Johnny Cecotto Addax 1m27.138s + 0.731s 7. Davide Valsecchi DAMS 1m27.179s + 0.772s 8. Nathanael Berthon Racing Engineering 1m27.205s + 0.798s 9. Josef Kral Addax 1m27.236s + 0.829s 10. Max Chilton Carlin 1m27.237s + 0.830s 11. Nigel Melker Ocean 1m27.238s + 0.831s 12. Dani Clos Rapax 1m27.243s + 0.836s 13. Jolyon Palmer iSport 1m27.253s + 0.846s 14. Fabrizio Crestani Lazarus 1m27.496s + 1.089s 15. Stefano Coletti Coloni 1m27.543s + 1.136s 16. Rio Haryanto Carlin 1m27.580s + 1.173s 17. Julian Leal Trident 1m27.799s + 1.392s 18. Simon Trummer Arden 1m27.838s + 1.431s 19. Luiz Razia Arden 1m27.867s + 1.460s 20. Tom Dillmann Ocean 1m27.871s + 1.464s 21. Daniel de Jong Rapax 1m27.914s + 1.507s 22. Felipe Nasr DAMS 1m28.096s + 1.689s 23. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus 1m29.117s + 2.710s 24. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1m29.472s + 3.065s 25. Fabio Onidi Coloni 1m29.492s + 3.085s 26. Rodolfo Gonzalez Caterham 1m31.159s + 4.752s
New Marussia Not To Feature Step Nose
Due to new technical regulations in 2012, the noses of the new cars must be lowered to a maximum of 550mm above the floor of the car. This change is to stop the nose of the car impacting the driver during T-boning incidents. With this in mind, practically the entire 2012 F1 grid have unveiled cars featuring an ugly step nose design.
Fortunately, McLaren broke that trend when they unveiled a car with the conventional curved nose design, something which will be a rarity on the grid in 2012. However, it has been announced that the new Marussia will also feature a car designed without the step nose, and instead it will feature a curved nose design like the new McLaren.
This comes as Marussia begin to enjoy a closer working relationship with McLaren, with the team able to use McLaren’s wind tunnel and other facilities. German driver, Timo Glock, has already tested the new car in the Woking based teams simulator, with the car set to make its first track appearance at Barcelona at the third and final test.
This will mean that only McLaren and Marussia will feature the conventional curved nose design, with HRT (who have yet to release their car as well) also set to feature a step nose design. Both teams, along with Caterham, are still hunting for their first ever points finishes in Formula 1, and Marussia will be hoping that their tie-up with McLaren will assist them to their first points finish.
The third and final pre-season test begins at Barcelona on Thursday 1st March, with Marussia and HRT both expected to unveil their news cars during the week. HRT’s Narain Karthikeyan has yet to take part in a test session this season, and will be hoping to get his first opportunity to do so at Barcelona.
Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team
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